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Chat with Chic, June 12, 1987

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jhp000226-054
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    t'V Cliat with Chic A Report from Washington FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Mike Miller June 12, 1987 (202) 224-6244 BY U.S. SENATOR CHIC HECHT Good news for veterans! Congress has passed, and President Reagan has just signed into law, the NEW GI Bill Continuation Act. This bill makes permanent the GI Bill passed in 1985, which was scheduled to expire next year. Since the end of World War II, GI bills have contributed to the education of more than 18 million veterans, in many cases providing the opportunity for a college education or vocational training otherwise impossible to obtain. This new legislation extends the benefits of higher education to qualified recruits by providing educational assistance of up to $300 for 36 months. To qualify for the m a x i m u m amount, recruits must spend three years on active duty. An individual who completes a two-year tour of active duty and four years service in the Selective Reserve is entitled to additional education benefits of $250 over 36 months. The bill also gives the armed forces a proven recruitment tool to attract the first-rate men and women required for increasingly sophisticated military operations. In return, recruits will be able to rely on a solid financial foundation to continue their education at the end of their military service. Since 1985, more than 56 percent of those enlistees eligible for the bill's benefits have used it as a means of paying for an advanced education. I firmly believe that the New GI Bill is as important to our military strength as a new weapons system. My support for this program expresses my continued support for veterans and my commitment to our national defense. Educational assistance varies greatly. If you are interested in furthering your education, or increasing your skills, check with the Nevada Benefit Office, or write to me at any one of my offices. Please contact me with any problems or c o n c e r n s .